The New Testament is very aware that churches can end up with leaders who abuse their position. Paul reflects on this topic in our verses, as he gives his final speech to the elders from the church in Ephesus (Ac
Racing towards danger
It can be very helpful to pause and ask ourselves the question: “What matters most to me?”. Or to put it a different way: “What would I want to get right in my life, even if I got everything else
Social impact
There are points in history when a society is affected deeply by the Christians within it. That can be seen in this story of Paul’s gospel work in the city of Ephesus. Paul has spent a long time building up
John the Baptist, RIP
Jesus’ kingdom has been expanding, with people from across the Mediterranean world entering into it. Yet suddenly we meet a group who seem anachronistic – part of a much earlier stage in the story of Jesus. So why are they
Upside down world
Every person has their own traits and personality. But when people come together – such as in a town or a team – the combined group can have traits and personality too. Luke uses that in Acts as he describes
Demolition gang
How do you look at history? Through dates? Politics? People? Social change? Local events? World events? We have multiple ways to picture history. For the first Christians, their focus was upon Israel – the nation whom God had chosen (De
Grace abounding
Christians have received grace from God. This means we have been given a gift by God which is the very opposite of what we deserve. We deserve death; He has given us life. And this gift is hugely expensive: His
Fully rescued
Stories of rescues have a peculiar power for us. Dramatic ones are often reported widely. One of the famous rescues in the Bible – Noah’s – has been replayed in countless talks, books and songs. Somehow those who survive help
A new adventure
First there was one church, launched in Jerusalem and expanded until it stretched across the ancient land of Israel (Ac 9:31). Then a second church was founded in the city of Antioch in the land of Syria: an independent church
Baptism in the Spirit
What is ‘Baptism in the Spirit’? Is it, as some say, a personal experience given by the Lord to a Christian, in which he/she receives the Holy Spirit in a fuller way and is thus empowered to: pray better, know